Fairfax police investigate animal hoarding

Fairfax County police and animal control investigators have removed dozens of animals from a Mount Vernon-area home Tuesday following reports from neighbors of foul odors coming from the house, officials said.

Police were called to the 3400 block of Ramsgate Terrace at about 1 p.m. They found a 33-year-old woman living with dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters and birds, said Lucy Caldwell, a police spokeswoman.

Most of the animals removed from the home were alive and were being evaluated, but police found several dead animals inside.

At least two investigators had to be decontaminated at the scene due to filthy conditions inside the home.

Police found more than three dozen cats and birds, several dogs and a host of other small animals. Authorities expect to remain at the scene throughout the night, investigating whether the animals have proper licensing and vaccinations.